I thank Deputy Quaide and his team for bringing this motion forward. Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities refers to the equal right of disabled persons to live independently in their communities - not miles away and not in another county - to choose their residence, to have access to personal assistants and community services and to use public facilities on an equal basis, aiming to prevent isolation. All of that should be within a safeguarded environment as well, yet we have a situation where there has been a failure to plan, and that is planning to fail. What is required? There are some simple steps that can be taken, which involve inter-agency co-operation and collaboration. First, we require a case management system that would be between the local authorities, the HSE and section 38 and section 39 organisations. The welcome transition funding for those changing from primary school to secondary school could be expanded to include transition in the area of residential planning too. There is also a need for financial supports, personalised budgets and personal assistants. We have to trust parents and advocates, and we have to allow them to control the future for their young person. Accessible transport is important in rural and urban areas. We have to value the role of the people who actually work in the area of personal assistant. We are human beings first and foremost and human doings secondly. I know this cannot be achieved without a very fluid and strong economy, but we have to look at the human economy in this instance and in future. There is an excellent opportunity in Ratoath in County Meath, where there is an urban regeneration and development fund, URDF, project with planning approved for 14 age-friendly bungalows. We also have a very active and enriching rehab and Prosper group between Ratoath and Ashbourne that would benefit hugely. The amendments to the disability Act should include the right to services and the right to housing. The Planning and Development Act 2024 should perhaps be amended to include a minimum percentage of housing.

Sentiment score: 0.22